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“Let me take that.” He grabbed the box from my hands. “I didn’t know you’d be here today.”

“I didn’t know you’d be here either,” I lied.

My brain wasn’t functioning properly. If I told him Elena had mentioned the boy’s gathering, he’d ask me why I’d said nothing to him. How could I tell him the girls wanted to know about our relationship, and I was here to give them details? It was easier to lie, and I silently asked God and all the heavenly beings to forgive me.

“Elena invited me to a girls’ gathering.” That was the truth.

He carried the food into an elegant kitchen and sniffed. “Smells good.”

I took out the appetizers. “They’re from Saigon Bistro.”

“There you are!” Elena approached and offered me a one-arm hug. She wore a soft knit jumper that looked comfy and stylish.

“Where should I put the food?” I gestured to the containers in Attikus’s hands.

“I have a table set up in my lounge area.”

Attikus looked disappointed.

“Do you have a plate I can borrow? I bought extra food for the guys.”

Elena glanced at Attikus and smirked. “Of course. I already gave them portions of what we have.” She offered me a plate and tongs.

Attikus surveyed the trays of fresh spring rolls and subs and filled his plate. “Thanks. Enjoy your gathering.”

“Enjoy the video game demo.” Elena grabbed the tray of subs.

“Video game? Is that what they’re doing?” I took the other tray

“Yeah. They’re each creating a game for the WaterFyre Rising series.”

She led me down a hallway with unique sconces and artwork on the wall. We entered a spacious room with an eggshell-colored interior. Tall windows graced one side of the room with fancy curtains pulled to the side.

“Hey!” Audri beamed and got up from the couch in the lounge area.

My abstract painting was the focal point of that area. Joy sprouted in my chest to see my work in my friend’s home.

The other girls strode over, offered me a hug, and glanced at the food.

“I’m not late, am I?”

“Nope,” Kiera said. “The boys wanted to meet earlier. So we all came. Can I grab a spring roll and a sub? I’m so hungry.”

“You just ate the fried rice I brought.” Vivian laughed. Then her eyes sparkled. “Wait a minute.”

“Are you pregnant?” Michelle and Natalie surrounded Kiera, examining her.

Her face brightened. “Yes! I’ve been dying to get everyone together so I could announce it!”

“Congratulations!” I cheered.

We took turns hugging Kiera. Tears filled her eyes. “Thanks! I’m excited but scared.”

“Dig in, everyone.” Elena gestured to the food. “Get a plate and sit down. We’ve got stuff to talk about.” She winked at me. “And a new mission for our friend here.”

I didn’t know what they were talking about, but I was ready to eat. I filled my plate with food and sat on a gray patterned couch. Elena dropped beside me.

Not wanting to discuss my relationship with Attikus yet, I turned to Kiera, who looked beautiful in a long, light-yellow dress. I wore jeans and a peach blouse.